Terror attack: Man arrested in nearby town
Nuneaton target of police activity
POLICE have raided an address in a town near Hinckley in connection with the terror attack on Monday night that killed 22 people in Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police searched the home in Nuneaton and made an arrest of a 22-year-old man.
The man, whose identity has not been revealed, is among 14 people who remain in custody for questioning.
In total, 16 people were arrested but two, including a 16-year-old boy and 34-year-old woman who have both been released without charge.
In a statement GMP said: “These searches are connected to an attack on the Manchester Arena, but this is a fast moving investigation and we are keeping an open mind at this stage.”
The Hinckley Times’s sister title the Nuneaton News had earlier reported claims that several armed police had been seen in the Earls Road area of the town.
At least 22 people were killed and 120 injured after the explosion in the foyer of the venue in Manchester city centre.
Thousands of gig-goers were packed into the venue to see American singer Ariana Grande when the explosion shook the arena.
Describing the moment officers raided the Nuneaton property, witness Susan Wild said armed officers, with their faces covered, were seen outside the property at about 9.10pm on Wednesday.
“I was just putting my rubbish out and they swarmed the area,” the 40-year-old said.
“They were shouting ‘armed police’ and there was about 12 of them.
“The police have been there all night and they’ve taken plastic boxes in there.
“I would say the family have lived there at least 11 years, which is as long as I have lived here.”
Mel Hill saw the arrest on Wednesday. She said: “I was coming back from the gym up Meadow Street, near Abbey Street. There was a load of people gathered and I saw this guy on the floor.
“Somebody said he had been tasered and then they all started putting their forensic suits on.”
Following the arrest in Nuneaton, Warwickshire Police issued a statement reassuring residents that extra officers were out on patrol.
Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans from Warwickshire Police said: “I know many people in our communities will be very concerned about the raised terror level threat and the recent arrest in Nuneaton, our colleagues from Greater Manchester Police are leading on this investigation.
“We will continue to have increased high visibility police patrols across Warwickshire to provide community reassurance.
“I continue to urge the public to be vigilant, to remain alert but not alarmed and to report any suspicious activity to the police by calling the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321. In an emergency always dial 999.”